What do you think of the Honda Accord hybrid? | Car Doctor
Q: It is time to replace my Kia Optima. I’m not quite ready for an electric or even a plug-in hybrid, although I realize most plug-in cars are more economical and, as you have pointed out, easily able to be recharged at home without special equipment. The Honda Accord hybrid looks like it fits me and my budget. What do you think of the car? Also, is there any end in sight of dealer markups and inventory shortages?
A: The Honda Accord hybrid is a very good car. I recently road tested one, and it was comfortable and very economical (45 miles per gallon) and performed very well. Overall, the ride and handling were quite good.
I found the controls generally well thought out, but I would have liked to see a tuning knob for the radio and an actual spare tire.
Regarding inventory and markup, I asked a representative from Honda, and the news is cautiously optimistic. They responded with, “It’s a fluid situation, and, like the rest of the industry, we aren’t out of the woods yet with supply issues, but we're optimistic that production is stabilizing.”
He also told me that Honda entered the year with roughly twice the amount of on-hand inventory compared with last year and, with increased production in 2023, this means a 20% to 25% increase in vehicles compared with 2022.
Charging port cover popped off on Ford Fusion Energi
Q: I’d appreciate your advice and guidance with a problem that I'm having with my 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. I bought out the lease on the 2020 last December. The car has low mileage, was always maintained and is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition.
A few months ago, the spring-loaded electric charger port door/cover popped out. While I can push it back in, it's not secure, and it can be pulled out or may slide out. I didn't want it to fall out while I was driving, so I left it off.
I went to the dealer for routine scheduled service, and they told me they've never seen this happen before. I was told that the cost of replacement was more than $950.
Have you seen this before? Should I replace it?
A: I have not seen it personally, but did a little research, and there are a few reports of similar issues. The price is a bit surprising. The door itself is $30 and the inner piece with the LED light ring is $130. Even with the cost of painting and labor, $950 seems a bit high.
Although driving with the door off is not likely to hurt anything, with winter snow and ice, it certainly would make charging difficult. If it were me, I would have the assembly replaced.
Cracked lens on taillight not covered by warranty
Q: I recently had some work performed on my car and noticed one of the taillight lenses was cracked. The crack was very slight and appeared to be more from stress than impact. I purchased an extended warranty with the car, and of the 1,000 items listed, the lens was not one of them. When I called the company, they told me this was a cosmetic issue and not a mechanical one. What do you think?
A: Yes, this is more of a body-related repair than a mechanical failure.
Readers, when shopping for extended warranties, it is best to find a warranty or service plan that lists exclusions rather than what is covered. Since there are thousands of parts, knowing what isn’t covered will give a better idea of the extent of the warranty.
Should I steer clear of Nissan Rogue due to history of transmission problems?
Q: My 2020 Nissan Rogue is coming off lease, and I am planning to buy it. It is running very well. Do I have to worry, given Rogue’s continually variable transmission (CVT) history?
A: The CVT in the Nissan Rogue has either been very problematic, or it seems to last forever. If you have not had any issues, and have the routine service performed, then there is a good chance it will be a solid bet as a used car.
The CVTs that have issues have been driven hard, towed trailers or driven off road or routinely carry a roof top carrier. This type of driving tends to overheat the transmission fluid and cause early breakdown. Perhaps just to add a little confidence, buy an extended service plan and have the CVT fluid changed.
John Paul is the AAA Northeast Car Doctor. He has more than 40 years of experience in the automobile industry and is an ASE-Certified Master Technician. Write to John Paul, The Car Doctor, at 110 Royal Little Drive, Providence, RI 02904. Or email jpaul@aaanortheast.com and put “Car Doctor” in the subject field. Follow him on Twitter @johnfpaul or on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Is the Honda Accord hybrid a good buy? | Car Doctor
